The Only Woman in the Room, But the Strongest Presence: Joumana Karam

TECHx

09-04-2025

Joumana Karam, Head of Marketing – MEA and New Business Development Manager – MEA at Acer, embodies a rare blend of strength, warmth, and humility. Growing up in war-torn Lebanon, she found solace in education, determined to carve a future beyond the hardships surrounding her. With resilience and an unshakable belief in her abilities, she navigated the male-dominated tech industry, proving that talent and perseverance know no gender. Today, she plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth at Acer while uplifting those around her, embodying the true spirit of dedication and excellence.
A Childhood Shaped by Resilience
Born and raised during the Lebanese civil war, Joumana's earliest memories are of a world overshadowed by conflict. Yet, amidst the chaos, she found solace in education. School was her sanctuary, a place where she excelled, always striving to be at the top of her class, despite being the youngest. Her mother, an avid reader, instilled in her a love for books, making them the most cherished gifts in their household.
'Being Lebanese meant mastering multiple languages at a very young age,' Joumana recalls. 'This early adaptability would later prove invaluable in my career.'
In a time when many girls faced educational barriers, Joumana was fortunate to be raised in a family that championed education for all. While the war raged on, studying by candlelight in bomb shelters became the norm. Education was not just an escape but a beacon of hope, a path to a better future.
Engineering a Future
Joumana's passion for mathematics and science led her to pursue engineering at the prestigious Lebanese University. Inspired by her maternal aunt and uncle, both engineers, she set her sights on the male-dominated world of telecommunications and electrical engineering.
Getting into the university was no small feat; from hundreds of applicants, only 100 were selected, and Joumana was among the top ten. As one of the few women in her field, she was often reminded of her minority status, but that never deterred her. She pursued a dual master's degree in electricity and electrical engineering while already setting her sights on the next frontier, the tech industry.
'In my final year, I knew IT was where the future lay. I wanted to be part of the innovations that would shape our world,' she says.
Breaking into Tech: The Lone Woman in the Room
Just a month after presenting her final university project, Joumana entered the workforce. She was the only woman in the room, a recurring theme in her career.
'At first, I was met with curiosity and skepticism. My work was scrutinized more than my male counterparts. But rather than being discouraged, I let my work speak louder than words,' she explains.
After a challenging first year, she landed a role in a technical IT department, once again as the only female. But this time, she had found a clear path for growth. Over the years, she witnessed firsthand the rapid evolution of the tech industry, from bulky desktops to sleek, high-performance laptops, the rise of the internet, social media, and now, the era of Artificial Intelligence.
Challenges, Setbacks, and the Mindset of Growth
Navigating a male-dominated industry came with its share of obstacles. There were moments when her voice wasn't heard, when she was labeled as 'too aggressive,' and when she faced outright negativity. But Joumana never backed down.
'Whenever my voice was ignored, I let my results do the talking. Whenever my decisions were questioned, I let data and analysis prove my point. And when faced with negativity, I responded with positivity and problem-solving,' she shares.
Her career trajectory is a testament to resilience. From an IT technician to a call center agent, from IT management to sales and marketing leadership, Joumana climbed the ranks, holding key positions in Lebanon and the UAE. Today, she is no longer the only woman in the room, she remains part of the minority.
Leading at Acer: A Dual Role of Strategy and Innovation
Currently, Joumana Karam holds a dual leadership role at Acer, overseeing marketing across the Middle East and Africa while also driving new business development.
As Head of Marketing – MEA, she orchestrates regional marketing strategies, digital and retail campaigns, influencer relations, and PR initiatives. She is also instrumental in product positioning and brand storytelling, ensuring Acer's innovations reach the right audiences.
In her Business Development role, she drives the expansion of Acer's non-PC product lineup, including e-mobility solutions, connectivity devices, and power solutions.
Since joining Acer in 2006, she has worn many hats, achieving multiple milestones and breaking barriers in the process. Yet, for her, success isn't just about numbers and targets—it's about the people she leads and inspires.
'My greatest reward is seeing my team grow. The joy on their faces after completing a challenge, whether small or big, is what keeps me motivated,' she says.
A Message to Women in Tech
For women aspiring to enter or grow in the tech industry, Joumana has a clear message:
'Technology is an ever-evolving field, and the challenges women face here are no different than in any other industry. There will be good managers and bad ones, opportunities and setbacks. The key is to listen, learn, adapt, and most importantly—trust your own voice. Never let self-doubt hold you back. Encourage young women to embrace STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). And when you enter a room, speak up. You belong there.'
Joumana Karam's journey is not just about breaking barriers, it's about redefining them. From a childhood marked by war to a career at the forefront of technological transformation, she continues to inspire the next generation of women in tech, proving that resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge can pave the way to success.